MANILA — More than 30,000 Pantawid Pasada cards were already distributed to public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators and drivers nationwide since the program was launched in July, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Monday.

A total of 31,677 Pantawid Pasada fuel subsidy cards were already distributed in various regions across the country as of September 23, according to data provided by DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transportation and Infrastructure Mark de Leon to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

de Leon said when asked if the DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will be able to meet its target to complete the distribution of the fuel cards by September.

Based on the DOTr figures, the Southern Tagalog region has the most number of fuel cards distributed at 7,612, followed by Central Luzon at 4,933; Central Visayas at 2,999; 2,668 in Davao Region and 2,312 at the LTFRB central office in Quezon City.

The Pantawid Pasada Program seeks to mitigate the impact of recent oil price increases and higher excise taxes on petroleum products under the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion Law, through providing a lump sum subsidy of PHP5,000 to around 179,000 PUJ operators and drivers this year.

Meanwhile, the LTFRB has launched its Pantawid Pasada caravans in various parts of the country to facilitate the distribution of the fuel subsidy cards to jeepney operators and drivers.

The Board initially held its caravan in Metro Manila at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate Manila last September 13 and Marikina City Hall this Monday.

The Pantawid Pasada cards may be claimed at the following venues and dates: September 25 in Buena Park, Caloocan and September 26-28 at the LTO East Avenue in Quezon City from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The DOTr earlier warned jeepney operators and drivers misusing the fuel voucher cards as they will be removed from the list of beneficiaries of the subsidy program. Each card contains the complete name of the franchise holder, plate number of the PUJ, region where the franchise was registered, and card number.

Beneficiaries must sign a deed of undertaking that the subsidy cards will only be used for purchases of petroleum products at gasoline stations.

A budget of PHP977 million was allocated to the fuel subsidy program for its implementation this year. The DOTr is eyeing to increase the subsidy to PHP20,000 next year.